Ruth Amelia (Linebarger) Fleming

Ruth Amelia Linebarger Fleming, June 16, 1926 -June 7, 2022, passed away peacefully at Autumn Care in Salisbury.

Ruth was born in Rowan County, the daughter of Clegg Linebarger and Della Pearson Linebarger Eller.

At 16 months of age, Ruth's father was killed in an automobile accident driven by a drunken driver. On her father's death bed, he asked his father to take care of Ruth. She lived with her grandparents, Ivy Johnson Linebarger and Ellen Amelia Ballard Linebarger until her marriage.

Ruth was employed as a pharmacy technician with the Eckerd Drug Company for many years. She was a charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Cemetery Street and then became a member of Landmark Church, Mooresville Road and the Faye Wiles Sunday School Class. Ruth attended Rowan County Schools

Ruth especially enjoyed visiting the NC Mountains, Myrtle Beach and a trip to New Orleans. She could be found talking on the telephone, working crossword puzzles, word search or watching Jeopardy on television at night. While playing cards or board games, Ruth always looked for ways to win or cheat as she was not a good loser. To know her was to always remember she was just
being... RUTH!

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Eugene Fleming, September 28, 1925 - Oct 16, 2007. Gene worked the A&P Co. He went out early one morning to get the newspaper and upon coming back into the house, he collapsed on the floor having heart failure. His death was unexpected and they were married for sixty-four years.

Tony Eugene Fleming, July 9, 1950 - August 21, 1969. Ruth's son was a graduate of East Rowan High School, excelling in science. While attending Pheiffer Collage he played on the golf team. He was one of four who died in a fatal airplane crash near Julian Road, Salisbury.

Clifford Jeffrey Mize, November 7, 1964 -April 2, 1984. Ruth's "special" grandson was cared for and loved by all, being included in all that his life allowed.

Sylvia Darlene Fleming Mize Young, March 27, 1945 -July 14, 2011. Ruth enjoyed spending time with her daughter shopping in Winston Salem, Concord or maybe in Charlotte. A girl can never have too many pairs of shoes. They often enjoyed lunch at a favorite restaurant. Sylvia was a great mother to Jeffrey. She died of cancer.

Ernest Clifford Mize, April 11 , 1945 -June 11, 1990, a son-in-law, Cliff and Sylvia were sweethearts in elementary grades, high school and after he attended Catawba College they married. Cliff was employed with NC Finishing Company. He died of cancer.

Billy Ray Young, November 25, 1947 -April 9, 2015, a son-in-law, Billy met Sylvia after her loss of son Jeffrey and husband Cliff. Billy was employed with Duke Power Company. Together they enjoyed traveling. He died of diabetes.

Ruth remarked many times, "Why has God taken all of my family and left me alone?" Today, God reunited Ruth with her immediate family and loved ones. I know that Ruth is smiling today, happy, rejoicing with tears of love, hugs and kisses.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to Ruth's last years. Your telephone calls, home visits, prayers, cards, flowers, food, and kinds words spoken with a smile or hug.

A special thanks to Pastor Mike Robinson for time shared with prayers and works of encouragement for Ruth.

A deep appreciation to Sonny Miller and wife Kay, Charlene Bollinger and husband Jim, and Gale Sale and Becky Carlton for their support, care and love.

Arrangements: A memorial Service of Celebration of Life will be held Friday, June 10, 2022 at 1 pm at Landmark Church, Mooresville Road with Pastor Mike Robinson officiating. Visitation will follow in the church fellowship.

Memorials may be made to Trellis Supportive Care - Rowan, 301 South Main Street, Suite 105, Salisbury, NC 28144 or Landmark Church, 1910 Mooresville Road, Salisbury NC, 28147.

Lyerly Funeral Home is honored to assist the Fleming family. Condolences may be expressed at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com. 

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